Gig Gab - The Working Musicians' Podcast Dave Hamilton & Friends

In this week’s Gig Gab, with guest cohost Daniel East returning to join Dave Hamilton, you dive into the essentials of managing your hearing and gear during and after gigs. Amanda’s question about affordable in-ear monitors (IEMs) leads to recommendations including the Sennheiser IE100 Pro and Juicy Earz, highlighting the importance of investing in quality gear without breaking the bank. Remember, the goal is to “Always Be Performing” at your best, and that includes protecting your most valuable asset – your hearing.

The discussion then moves to the finer points of creating the perfect IEM mix. They emphasize starting from zero, building your levels up gradually, and ensuring no two instruments occupy the same stereo space. Trust both your ears and eyes when adjusting your mix, and keep it simple by taking as little as possible from the main mix. Wrapping up, they provide practical tips on ear care, such as using ear bulb syringes and avoiding ear candling. Stay sharp, stay safe, and keep performing at your peak!





00:00:00 Gig Gab 432 – Monday, June 3rd, 2024



June 3rd: Old Time Player Piano Day (but Friday was National Save Your Hearing Day)

Guest Co-Host: Daniel East





00:01:58 Recent Gigs



Jay Bernedo





00:10:16 Let your ears rest after the gig

00:12:34 Amanda-Which IEMs for $300 or less?

00:16:15 Listen FIRST

00:17:34 Listen Advice



Human Voice

Decay of Reverb

Fingers on guitar strings

Thump of the low end





00:19:23 Fitting them in

00:19:38 Recommended Earphones



Sennheiser IE100 Pro – $98

Future Sonics G10 – $160 with code on site

Linsoul KZ ZS10 5-driver Universal fit – $49.99

Dunu Falcon Ultra – $220

Audix A10X – $229

WAVS Custom – Duals start at $199/ear – Ear molds with your iPhone

Juicy Earz – Starts at $298

Alclair Affordable Custom In-Ears on Gig Gab





00:30:03 Headphone Amps



Rolls PM55p

Albatros Audio PH9C (about $450, custom build)

Rupert Neve RNHP Headphone Amplifier – $599 on Amazon

RNDI DI Box – $299 on Amazon





00:43:24 When creating an IEM mix, trust both your eyes and ears



Allen & Heath ME-1





00:46:58 Creating the best IEM Mix



Start from Zero

Bring yourself up to 75%

Then bring everything else up

If stereo: nothing dead-center, no two instruments in the same “space”

Take as LITTLE as possible.

Welcome to another exciting episode of Gig Gab! This week, Dave Hamilton dives into the whirlwind of recent and upcoming gigs, tackling six gigs with five different bands in June alone. He also discusses the challenges of playing a gig without in-ear monitors and the invaluable lessons from recent guests. From Robert Scovill’s advice on delaying mains in any size room to Mike Schulte’s insights on using a splitter snake for easier setups, and Chris Breen’s reminder to read the stage as well as the room, there’s plenty to learn. Remember, “Always Be Performing” as you take these tips to your own gigs.

In the Gear Gab segment, Dave highlights the Earthworks SR117 microphone and explores the latest tools of the trade, including Adam’s suggestion to use Suno’s AI for creating theme songs for your band. Dave also shares how you can use Spotify URLs to enhance your playlists when prepping for gigs. Listener Mike shares one his recent favorite podcasts, Strong Songs’ “Limb By Limb” episode for nerding out on song dissections.

As always, Dave is eager for your feedback about the show and what projects you’re involved in. Keep innovating, and never forget to “Always Be Good to Hang With!”





00:00:00 Gig Gab 431 – Monday, May 27th, 2024



May 27th: Old Time Player Piano Day





00:01:41 What do you want from the show?



I’m going to be asking for a lot of feedback, but don’t worry… I’ll tell you what to tell me. 🙂





00:02:40 Recent and Upcoming Gigs



June: 6 gigs, 5 different bands

What are you playing?

What projects are you in?





00:10:57 Played a gig with no IEMs. Ugh.

00:17:17 Debrief from recent guests.



Robert Scovill on GG429: Delaying our mains, no matter how small the room!

Chris Breen on GG420: Reading the stage is just as important as reading the room…take a break!

Mike Schulte on GG421: The value of a splitter snake or a custom loom to make setup easier (and yes, he makes us think about eDrums, too!)

Roland VAD 

Ef-Note

Bob Vose on GG430: Keeping a band together

Matt Musty on GG426: Think Bigger…and Always Be Good to Hang With

Best Not Broken on GG427: Don’t podcast from your bicycle!

Adam Moskowizard on GG425: Always Be Innovating!





00:31:57 SPONSOR: Bandzoogle makes it easy to build a stunning website and online store for your music in minutes. Try it free for 30 days, then use promo code “giggabpod” to get 15% off your first year.

Tools of the Trade



00:35:07 Adam-CSF-Suno to use AI to Create Theme Songs

00:44:20 You can paste in a list of Spotify URLs to flesh out a playlist!

Dive into this week’s Gig Gab podcast, where Dave Hamilton and guest co-host Bob Vose tackle the highs and lows of a musician’s journey. From the golden days of Fortune’s original reign to navigating the challenging shifts brought by grunge, Bob dishes out stories of the Peanut Butter & Jelly Tour, selling out 700-seat venues, and the reality of playing “risky” songs that most bands avoid. With nods to industry greats like Boston and Queensryche, and tales of relentless rehearsal schedules, Bob reminds us that even as trends change, the secret to longevity is to “Always Be Performing.”

They explore Fortune’s evolution from originals to covers, underscoring the necessity of putting “fannies in the seats”, starting with the tried-and-true formula: one cover, two originals, repeat. Vose shares insights on preserving your voice, the chemistry of a tight-knit band, and how to keep shows fresh…all while handling uninvited guests on stage!

Whether you’re playing Foreplay/Long Time or Stairway to Heaven, the art of performing is vital, so remember: maintain your voice, rehearse responsibly, and deliver every show like it’s your last!





00:00:00 Gig Gab 430 – Monday, May 20th, 2024



May 20th: International Red Sneakers Day





00:01:06 Bob Vose from Fortune

00:02:07 From Originals to Covers



Boston, Journey, Yes, Queensryche

Big Vocals, Harmony Guitars

Pete Destefano from Fortune (band)

Entrain – Brian Allen





00:04:20 From



Mark Bistony (drummer)





00:04:46 Pushing an Odometerless Winnebago Over the Hill

00:07:56 Peanut Butter & Jelly Tour



Learning the Music Business The Hard Way

Huge in Japan!





00:10:23 Grunge Came in and ended Fortune’s Original-only reign



New Formula: One cover, two originals, repeat

Gotta Put Fannies in The Seats





00:11:11 Now in 2023, Selling out 600-700 seat venues



Bill Plor, Guitar





00:12:39 Still Playing Percussion on Frankenstein



Louis Spagnola, bass player





00:13:22 Keeping a band together for three decades



Added Chris Lester (from Sully Urna, Dark Desert Eagles)





00:16:26 Preserving Your Voice

00:17:58 Playing the “Risky” Songs That No ONe Else Attempts To Do

00:18:45 Dirty Water — with Barry Goudreaux, Sib Hashian…and Bob Vose

00:21:34 Sibby Hashian on Legends of Rock Cruise

00:24:43 Steve Baker

00:26:45 How Many Bands are You In?



Brian Maes





A small family linking many bands together



Bob is Very Proud of the Talent In His Band





00:30:45 The Chemistry of a Rehearsed Band



Carry On Wayward Son

a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?

In this week’s episode of Gig Gab, Robert Scovill brings his wealth of live audio expertise to the show. As a front-of-house engineer for legendary acts like Tom Petty, Prince, Kenny Chesney, and Rush, Scovill shares the art of balancing sound in massive stadiums while ensuring the audience gets a crystal-clear experience, especially in the crucial front-fill zone. He emphasizes the importance of integrity, stating that “facts are not truth” in the quest to blend technical perfection with the creative essence of the artists. He advises managing the trade-offs inherent to audio mixing, as live music remains a visual art form where “Always Be Performing” is key. Scovill discusses managing sound for Kenny Chesney’s stadium tour and recounts working with Matchbox 20 on a silent stage, sharing how cell phone videos can be instrumental in helping to reveal potential audio issues.

Scovill dives deep into drum audio techniques, recommending starting with stereo overheads and advising against isolating the drums in an “aquarium.” He also explores his favorite microphones and explains why in-ear monitors (IEMs) have positively impacted performers.

Scovill wraps up with stories from touring with Rush and insights into beamforming technology at U2’s innovative Sphere shows. Throughout the episode, he remains open to ideas and resources, underscoring the importance maintaining audio integrity and continually refining one’s craft in pursuit of perfect live sound.

Press play and enjoy, folks…and always be performing!





00:00:00 Gig Gab 429 – Monday, May 13th, 2024



May 13th: National Apple Pie Day

Robert Scovill — FOH sound … for the rest of us! (That is, when we’ve gone to see Prince, Tom Petty, Rush, Jackson Browne, and nowadays Kenny Chesney!)





00:02:00 An Educator at his core

00:03:05 Importance of Integrity



Facts are Not Truth





00:06:33 This is Adult Audio – Doing Stadiums for the Kenny chesney Tour

00:08:18 Open to All Resources and ideas



Diction as a priority

Live Music is a Visual Art – Attendees Need TO See The Artist

45ft off the ground (vs. 25ft in arenas)





00:11:19 Making it sound good in front of the stage as it does everywhere else



The Front Fill Zone – Separate PA with different mix, panning, positioning

EAW Adaptive PA





00:16:16 The Technique of Mixing Right In Front of The Stage



Balance the stage first

“Audio is About Managing Trade-offs”

Making Petty Sound Good





00:24:33 Live stages… ampless vs. just drums



Silent Stages with Matchbox 20





00:26:58 Beware Room Reflections



Cell Phone Videos Will Highlight This





00:30:37 In-Ear Monitors… Because why not?



IEMs Affect Performers…Positively!



…so long as you can hear in an ensemble

…and don’t sing too quietly









00:35:34 Managing Drummers (and Singing Drummers)



Start with Stereo Overheads





00:39:34 Don’t Put the Drums in An Aquarium



It’s a Last Resort!

Drum Shields in The Sphere





00:41:56 U2 at The Sphere

00:44:20 Beamforming Sound at The Sphere



The Sphere Aronofsky Movie





00:46:54 Gear Gab: Microphones for Drums and Singing Drummers



a href="https://heilsound.

This week on Gig Gab, Mike Schulte returns for a lively discussion on the finesse of live performances band dynamics. He and Dave Hamilton kick off with a chat about “Playing ‘Less’ for More Money,” exploring how reducing the number of gigs you play can lead to greater impact and potentially higher pay. As they delve into the struggles musicians face, “The Waiting Is The Hardest Part” segment sheds light on the patience required in the industry, from waiting around for gigs to begin to mastering the interpersonal dynamics in your band. They also offer invaluable tips on achieving the best sound for your instruments in any room, emphasizing that great sound is key to a memorable performance—because you should always be performing.

Mike and Dave also address the delicate balance between a musician’s ego and the band’s overall sound in “Is Your Sound Part of Your Ego? Or Part of What’s Best For Your Band?” Here, they encourage musicians to make sound choices that serve the band’s best interests. The episode is peppered with practical advice, from managing stage equipment like cables and snakes efficiently to choosing the right gear like BFSD for snare drums and Smokin Ace Rectangular Cymbal Shields to enhance stage sound. For any musician looking to refine their craft and learn the ropes of effective stage management, this episode is packed with critical insights and tools to help you shine in your next gig.

Press play, enjoy, and always be performing!





00:00:00 Gig Gab 428 – Monday, May 6th, 2024



May 6th: International No Diet Day





00:03:47 Playing “Less” for More Money

00:05:48 All Good Things Will (Eventually?) Come to An End

00:11:08 The Waiting Is The Hardest Part



Britney Spears “Baby One More Time”





00:12:15 Check Your Attitude…Stop and Enjoy

00:16:45 Rehearsing a Musical

00:20:05 Getting Drums to Sound Good In a Room

00:22:10 Gear Gab: BFSD to muffle snare drums



Big Fat Five





00:24:28 Is Your Sound Part of Your Ego? Or Part of What’s Best For Your Band?



Field Of Dreams VIP Tent

Roland VAD Kit

Diezel Amps





00:29:29 Playing with Softer Hands

00:34:58 Make Your Sound Work For The Room



I Can’t Really Hear The Vocals





00:38:45 Gear Gab: Smokin Ace Rectangular Cymbal Shields



Telefunken M80

Heil PR37





00:44:55 Andy-Managing cables and snakes without CAT-SASS



Custom Loom from Pro Audio LA (With a Lifetime Warranty)

CAT-SASS





00:51:49 The Proper Way to Roll Cables



It’s Not Rats-Nestian





00:56:01 Gear Gab: Stage Ninja Mic-12-CB Microphone Clamp

00:58:45 Gig Gab 428 Outtro



Contact a href="https://www.instagram.com/mikeyschulte/?

In the latest episode of Gig Gab, you’ll catch Eric Jackson and Carlo Carluccio from Boston’s own Best Not Broken sharing their journey from cover band roots to rocking high-energy performances with a mix of originals and covers, including an unforgettable opening gig for Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room. They spill on mastering the art of self-promotion—think relentless social media engagement, eye-catching posters, and savvy online PR campaigns. It’s not just about music; it’s about creating a relatable product. So, dive deep into their strategies to build brand recognition, foster radio relationships, and keep the business side as sharp as their harmonies. Remember, always be performing.

Switching gears, the duo discusses the technical side of their shows, from managing setlists to incorporating tracks and clicks effectively—for them, just the drummer gets the click, no one else! They weave in crowd-pleasers like “Freebird” and “Don’t Fear The Reaper” alongside their hits like “Tell Me You Want Me,” creating a seamless blend that keeps the audience engaged (all while proving why the rhythm section is so crucial!).

Whether you’re navigating the challenges of promotion or the intricacies of performance management, take a leaf out of Best Not Broken’s playbook and keep the focus sharp: always be performing.





00:00:00 Gig Gab 427 – Monday, April 29th, 2024



April 29th: Poem In Your Pocket Day

Guests: Eric Jackson & Carlo Carluccio from Boston’s Best Not Broken

From a bicycle in Nashville to a car in New Hampshire

High-energy performance, tight harmonies, the clever inclusion of cover songs interspersed with originals, and opening for Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room (not to mention the crazy waves crashing!) caught my attention!





00:03:02 Started as a Cover Band

00:05:32 Some of their best songs are on their most recent release.



Best Not Broken’s Human Emotion





00:07:33 The Art of Self-Promotion



Spend some time on social media

Posters. Build Brand Recognition and Resume

Hire Promotion Help with Gig Money.

Treat it Like a Business

Online PR Campaign

Find Radio Stations

Build Relationships

Keep at it, and pay attention

INTERACT

Think about your product…it’s not just music. Make videos. Make something relatable.





00:13:18 Management Help?



Enoch Entertainment





00:14:19 Playing with Tracks (and a Click)



That’s Because We’re So Clever

No IEMs for Lead Singer

Click only for Drummer

“Too Hot To Operate”





00:19:51 Managing Setlists



Keeping the tracks effective and simple

Using the drum overhead as “stage wash”





00:22:50 Sneaking Covers Into Sets



Distracted By A Redheaded Air Drummer

“Freebird”

The Rhythm Section is the Most Important Part of The Band

“Don’t Fear The Reaper”

“Tell Me You Want Me” – Best Not Broken





00:27:06 Gig Gab 427 Outtro



Contact Best Not Broken

Contact Gig Gab!



@GigGabPodcast on Instagram

feedback@giggabpodcast.com

a href="https://www.giggabpodcast.